Does your loved one have autism? Have you ever felt invalidated by society, medical professionals, or even other autistic individuals due to being considered “high” functioning? If so, then you might agree with the prevailing theory that individuals on the autism spectrum should start receiving different diagnoses depending on their level of needs.
Lately, this theory has already been put into practice, with many in the medical field and autism community calling those with very high needs “profoundly” autistic. This group of autistic individuals needs constant and lifelong care. This group of autistic individuals is also usually nonverbal or minimally verbal. Typically, there is some level of intellectual disability, too.
This term rose in prominence around 2021 when the Lancet Commission, a group of experts, began using the term to describe highly autistic individuals. In the past, most of these individuals would have received archaic diagnoses like Asperger’s or other developmental disorders. Many of these conditions were removed by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013 and replaced with the broad diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder.
One of the main reasons that a specific diagnosis or label should be used for this group of individuals is that it can help ensure that the individuals with the highest needs get the support and services they require.
One strong advocate for this change is Judith Ursitti, the current president of the Profound Autism Alliance. According to Ursitti, profoundly autistic individuals often do not have access to enough support, appropriate treatments, and properly trained providers to handle their level of support needs. Currently, it’s estimated that about 25% of children who have been diagnosed with autism would be considered “profoundly” autistic.
While some autistic individuals only need intermittent support, profoundly autistic individuals need monitoring around the clock. Other autistic individuals have very low support needs, and they’re able to thrive in many situations without much additional support.
Getting Your Autistic Child the Support They Need
Here at the Nevada Autism Center, our team is focused on empowering bright futures by helping autistic youth learn skills and behaviors that promote autonomy, independence, and success. Our facility offers personal ABA therapy sessions that are individualized for each child. We also provide significant family guidance, since we know how isolating it can feel to raise an autistic child without the proper support.
If your autistic child currently goes to school or plans on attending a school setting soon, then you could also benefit from our summer camps and model classrooms. Both provide opportunities for your child to improve their school readiness.
We’ll work on helping your child to shed maladaptive behaviors and coping mechanisms and replace them with ones that will benefit them socially, physically, and emotionally. We currently accept several insurance plans, including UMR, Aetna, Health Plan of Nevada, and more.
Are you interested in learning more about how we can help your family? Reach out to us now at (702) 660-2005 with any questions, or get started right away by filling out our online enrollment form.
